4) ...plummeting back down with a nearly irresistible double leg-thrust to the neck and wing...

5) ...and though the challenger tries to rally with his own flying-kick...

6) ...he's still stunned and slowed, and the defender wrestles him down for a clear 'pin' and victory.

7) All the while, Ms Blue watches with seemingly casual interest...

8) ...which changes to immediate facination...

9) ...as she quickly joins the winner...

10) ...who really isn't looking all that interested anymore.

'Bluebirds of Happiness'?

While photographing Honeybees feeding on a Holly, two flashes of bright blue caught my eye and I watched as a pitched battle took place between two male Bluebirds, who beat, pecked and chased each other around while Ms Bluebird watched innocently [yeah sure] from nearby. After the battle she and the winner, who was looking a little ragged by this time, joined up to watch over and guard their territory.